Picking out new bathroom faucets can be an exciting part of remodeling or renovating your bathroom. With so many styles, finishes, and features to choose from, it’s important to consider your needs and bathroom design to select the best faucets. Follow this comprehensive guide to make the right choice when buying bathroom faucets.
Introduction
The bathroom faucet is one of the most used fixtures in your home, so you’ll want to choose one that is durable, functions well, and matches your bathroom’s decor. When shopping for new bathroom faucets, here are some key factors to consider:
- Faucet style – Widespread, centerset, single-handle, two-handle, wall-mount.
- Faucet finish/color – Chrome, brushed nickel, bronze, black, white, gold.
- Faucet features – Motion-activated, touchless, anti-scald, waterfall, pot filler.
- Faucet height/reach – Standard or extended spout options.
- Quality and durability – Solid brass construction and ceramic disc valves.
- Brand name and price range.
- Ease of installation – Some faucets require more complex installs.
- Your overall bathroom design and look.
Keep reading for more details on picking the perfect faucets to match your bathroom’s style and meet your needs.
Choosing a Faucet Style
The most common bathroom faucet styles include:
Widespread Faucets
Widespread faucets have separated hot and cold handles mounted individually on the sink or countertop. This style offers flexible placement of handles and gives a traditional decorated look. The handles are connected to the spout underneath the sink.
Centerset Faucets
Centerset faucets have handles mounted on either side of the spout in one unit. They are designed for sinks with holes spaced 4 inches apart. Centerset faucets are a popular all-in-one option for a clean look.
Single-Handle Faucets
Single-handle faucets control both hot and cold water flow in one lever. They are convenient to operate and give a minimalist style. Single-handle faucets can have the spout and handle combined or be separated.
Two-Handle Faucets
Two-handle faucets have one hot and one cold handle to control water temperature and flow. This traditional style provides precise control. Like widespread faucets, the handles are connected to the spout below the sink.
Wall-Mount Faucets
Wall-mount faucets attach directly to the wall rather than on the sink or countertop. The exposed pipes and architectural style make a bold design statement. Keep in mind wall-mount faucets require more installation work.
Evaluate the configuration of your existing sink and countertop and visualize the look you want when deciding between widespread, centerset, single-handle, two-handle, or wall-mount faucet styles.
Choosing a Faucet Finish
Bathroom faucets come in a range of metal finishes that impact the overall look and style:
Chrome
A shiny silver finish that has a clean, modern look. Chrome is the most common faucet finish and matches both contemporary and traditional bathrooms.
Brushed Nickel
Matte silvery-gray finish with a soft, understated style. Works well for transitional bathroom designs.
Bronze
Warm, golden-brown metal finish adding antique flair. Polished and brushed bronze variations provide options.
Black
Bold black color for a dramatic, modern statement. Matte black is especially popular for contemporary bathroom styles.
White
Crisp, clean white finish. Makes bathrooms feel bright and spacious. Often paired with wood tones.
Gold
Luxurious gold, champagne, or rose gold tones. Traditionally used in glamorous, upscale bathrooms.
Oil Rubbed Bronze
Deep brown color with metallic rubbed bronze accents. Rustic, vintage look. Needs careful cleaning to maintain.
Select a faucet finish that aligns with your bathroom’s overall color scheme, style, and desired mood. Many people match faucet finishes to other metal details like mirrors or shower trim.
Special Faucet Features
Today’s bathroom faucets offer convenience-enhancing and decorative features:
- Motion Sensor Faucets – Touchless, hands-free activation for improved hygiene and accessibility. Wave your hand near the faucet to start and stop water flow.
- Pull-Down Sprayers – Extendable faucet heads for extended reach. Helpful for rinsing sinks and cleaning. Look for multiple spray settings.
- Waterfall Faucets – Provide a gentle, splashing stream of water. Create a spa-like environment and ambiance.
- Pot Filler Faucets – Articulating faucet arm extends over stove tops. Makes filling large pots easier in kitchens.
- Built-In LED Lights – Illuminate sink area. Helpful when applying makeup or grooming. Available in a range of light colors.
- Filtration – Faucets with built-in filtration systems remove contaminants and purify water. Ideal for drinking and cooking.
- Soap Dispensers – Convenient soap dispensers can be integrated into faucets or installed separately. Quick access for hand washing.
Consider how special features can add beauty and improve the functionality of your new faucets. Look for any extra features that would benefit your bathroom activities.
Faucet Height and Reach
When replacing bathroom faucets, make sure the new model coordinates well with your existing sink basin height and configuration:
- Standard faucets have spout heights around 5-6 inches. This works for most bathroom vessel and undermount sinks.
- For very tall or unusually deep sink basins, look for high-arc faucets that stand 8 inches or higher. The extended height lets water flow comfortably into the sink bowl without splashing.
- Vessel sinks with above-counter bowls may also need a faucet with a long spout reach between 5-7 inches so the water arcs nicely into the sink.
- Wall-mount faucets can adjust out from the wall from 5-12 inches for precise positioning.
Having the right faucet proportions for your specific sink ensures proper drainage and prevents splashing or puddling water. Before installing, check measurements carefully.
Faucet Quality and Durability
Look for superior quality fixtures that will last:
- All-Metal Construction – Solid brass is the most durable material for faucet bodies and parts. Avoid plastic components that can break over time.
- Ceramic Disc Valves – Advanced ceramic discs control water flow and temperature. Smoother operation and longer lasting than compression valves.
- Water-Efficient Flow Rates – EPA WaterSense certified faucets use no more than 1.5 gallons per minute. Conserve water without sacrificing performance.
- ** Sturdy Finishes** – PVD, or physical vapor deposition, provides a strong bonded finish. Prevents flaking, corrosion, and tarnishing over time.
- Reputable Brands – Trusted faucet brands like Delta, Kohler, Moen, American Standard, and Grohe offer lasting quality and solid warranties.
Investing in a well-made faucet means enjoying premium performance and reliability for years before needing to replace.
Ease of Installation
Factor in how readily you or a contractor can install the new bathroom faucets:
- Standard faucet holes – Faucets designed for common 1-3 hole US configurations are the easiest to directly replace existing faucets.
- Deck plate options – Built-in deck plates conceal extra holes and allow installing new faucet styles. More flexibility.
- Above-deck installations – Faucets that mount on sink decks provide exposedsupply hoses and quick access for repairs later on.
- Under-mounting – Faucets installed beneath sink require careful measurements and creating access for maintenance. More complex.
- Plumbing access – Ensure you can reach water supply lines and shut-off valves. Tight cabinet spaces complicate installations.
- Wall preparation – Wall-mount faucets need properly reinforced wall studs and often extensive rough-in work.
Be realistic about your skill level and hire a pro if the faucet requires extensive modifications to install properly. Doing it right the first time prevents headaches.
How Much Should You Spend?
Bathroom faucet prices vary based on the quality, brand, style, and features:
- Basic faucets – $50 – $150. Provide the essential functions. Often with plastic parts.
- Mid-range faucets – $150 – $400. Offer durable brass construction, nice finishes, and reliable operation. Great value for the quality.
- High-end designer faucets – $400+. Feature premium materials like stainless steel and unique styling. Some have “smart home” connectivity.
- Touchless faucets – $150 – $500. More expensive but provide excellent hands-free convenience.
- Commercial-style faucets – $200+. Made for high use in busy settings. Very durable.
Set a realistic budget. Cost often reflects better fit, finish, performance, and durability. High use fixtures like bathroom faucets are worth investing in.
Key Questions to Ask Before Buying
Before selecting new bathroom faucets, ask yourself these questions:
- What is my bathroom’s decor style? Faucet should match modern, traditional, transitional, etc.
- Do I prefer a minimalist or decorative look? Single-handle vs. two-handle or widespread configuration.
- What finish complements my color scheme? Chrome, bronze, black, etc.
- Does my sink need standard or extended height/reach?
- Do I want any special features? Touchless, LED lights, filtration?
- Is my faucet usage high or low? Durability and water efficiency matter.
- Can I install it myself or will I need to hire help? Factor in complexity.
- What is my budget for new bathroom faucets? Set realistic expectations.
Having clear answers helps narrow down the choices and focus on faucets that meet your needs and fit your bathroom design.
Tips for Installing New Faucets
When ready to install your new bathroom faucets:
- Carefully follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper assembly and mounting.
- Shut off main water supply lines and open faucet to relieve pressure before removing old faucet. Prevent water from dripping out.
- Use basin wrench to loosen nuts and a faucet puller tool to remove old faucet if necessary.
- Thoroughly clean sink surface and faucet base area. Remove any putty or grime buildup.
- Ensure new faucet aligns correctly on sink holes and is centered. Mark positions clearly.
- Use plumber’s putty or gasket to seal new faucet base onto sink surface. Prevent leaks.
- Reconnect water supply lines securely. Hot on left, cold on right. Use wrenches to avoid twisting.
- Turn water back on slowly and check for any drips. Tighten connections if needed to stop leaks.
- Run both hot and cold water briefly to flush out pipes. Check for proper flow and mixing.
Pro tip: Take photos before removing old faucet for reference. Correct assembly ensures your new bathroom faucets work properly and give years of service.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best bathroom faucet brands?
Top faucet brands include Moen, Delta, Kohler, American Standard, Hansgrohe, Grohe, and Pfister. Look for solid brass construction and ceramic disc cartridges.
How do I choose a bathroom faucet style?
Consider your existing sink configuration, overall bathroom style, and decor when choosing between widespread, centerset, single-handle, two-handle and wall-mount faucet designs.
Can I install a bathroom faucet myself?
If you have basic DIY skills, you can install many standard bathroom faucets yourself. More complex installations are best left to a professional plumber.
How much do bathroom faucets cost?
Prices range from $50 for basic models up to $500+ for high-end designer faucets. Expect to spend $150 to $250 for good quality mid-range fixtures.
Should bathroom faucets match metal finishes?
It looks best when faucets coordinate with other bathroom hardware like towel bars, mirror frames, and shower fixtures. Matching finishes create a unified look.
Conclusion
The choices when buying new bathroom faucets can seem overwhelming at first. Focus on the style, finish, features, quality, ease of installation, and budget factors that are priorities for your home. Consider how heavily the faucets will be used and if you need special functions like touchless activation. Planning ahead helps select durable faucets that both look beautiful and perform reliably for years of daily use in your freshly updated bathroom.
